Sir Alex Key in United Luring Ronaldo to Old Trafford

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

On again, off again, on again. Who really knows if the Cristiano Ronaldo transfer rumours are true anymore?

The latest in what has been the hottest story of the summer comes courtesy of the Daily Mail, who claim that former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson could be a key tool in luring the Portuguese star back to Old Trafford.

"The charm offensive began some time ago, earlier than we thought, and we should not be surprised that it was instigated by Sir Alex Ferguson," the report claims.

"It can be revealed that on the night Ronaldo returned to Old Trafford with Madrid in the Champions League last March, Ferguson insisted United break with tradition by having the visiting team names announced second and that Ronaldo’s name should be left until last."

David Moyes to Be Given Massive Transfer Kitty

The Scotsman may have to adapt to life with a sizeable budget though, now he has been handed the reigns at Old Trafford.

According to The Telegraph, the club's owners the Glazers, will hand him a transfer kitty worth as much as £60 million for his first summer spending spree.

"Moyes is due to return from a family holiday a week on Monday and it is understood that the Scot will then embark on securing his leading transfer targets ahead of the club’s three-week tour of the Far East and Australia," the report claims.

Wayne Rooney Fears Fans Wrath

Wayne Rooney is not the most popular player in the red half of Manchester at present.

The England international ended the past season morose, and according to former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, reportedly asked to leave the club.

According to The Telegraph, Rooney may wish to stay at Old Trafford, but that he fears the fans' retribution if he does.

"While the player ultimately regained the backing of the majority of the United supporters, much of that has evaporated as a result of Ferguson’s disclosure that Rooney had asked to leave for a second time two months ago," the report claims.

"Ferguson’s continuing presence at United as a director and club ambassador has denied Rooney a clean break from a manager with whom he once shared a strong relationship."

Denis Irwin Claims Cesc Fabregas Is Transfer Priority

Former Manchester United full-back Denis Irwin has suddenly become very vocal on the club's transfer market ambitions.

In an interview with the Sunday World, Irwin claimed that the Red Devils' no. 1 target this summer is Barcelona's Cesc Fabregas (h/t ESPN).

"The Barcelona star wants out of the Nou Camp and United want him badly, so the deal should be done easily enough. Fabregas is just the sort of all-action midfield player United need if they are to make a run at next season's Champions League," he said.

"Cesc won't be short of offers for I believe this is going to be a transfer season where eye-boggling amounts of money will be spent."

The biggest stumbling block would be the Blaugrana's apparent unwillingness to sell.

Dwight Yorke Says United Should Keep Rooney

Wayne Rooney has little intention of working under his former boss David Moyes.

The English forward has demanded to leave Old Trafford, and many United fans believe that he should do so if his passion for the club is gone.

Former Red Devil Dwight Yorke is not in this group. He told talkSPORT that the club should do all in their power to keep Rooney (h/t ESPN).

"Manchester United are about retaining the best players and Rooney is one of those. It would be a huge disappointment if he decided to leave the football club and I'm sure David Moyes will be looking to keep hold of him," he said.

Paris Saint-Germain are the no. 1 contenders to land Rooney should he be sold.

Ronaldo Hopes for a New Real Deal

Rumours linking Cristiano Ronaldo with a sensational return to Old Trafford had grown in the past few weeks.

But after Portugal's 1-0 win over Russia in World Cup qualification, the man himself dashed the hopes of all United fans.

"I am well, calm and not worried about it. I know we will reach a deal," he told reporters (via ESPN).

Real president Florentino Perez added to this sentiment, telling Marca "My aim, Cristiano's aim, and the aim of all Real Madrid fans is that he carries on playing here for many years to come" (h/t Daily Mail).

One now has to ask whether the player has been using United as a bargaining chip in his negotiations with Real?

David De Gea Wants to Eventually Return to Atletico

The once maligned goalkeeper looked increasingly assured dealing with crosses, while developing a real authority in his own penalty area.

The Spaniard will be the Red Devils' No. 1 for years to come, but is unlikely to see out his career at Old Trafford.

This comes according to the man himself, who told Spanish newspaper AS "Hopefully in the future I can return [to Atletico Madrid], you never know. It has been and will always be my home" (h/t Daily Star).